The Guildford Lions, newly formed from local Guildford state schools, had the first of their two pre-Christmas matches against local private schools on Wednesday night with a match against Cranleigh School.
With local and national sponsorship, a Surrey RFU backed coaching team and the support of world cup winner Phil Vickery, the Lions, resplendent in their squad shirts took the field with a strong sense of purpose.
The Lions weathered an early Cranleigh onslaught confident they could come back as they looked well organised, despite just one training session together.
The three Lions wingers had contested the West Surrey 100m championship over the summer but were soon working together to score a try each as the Lions used width and pace to counteract the well organised and tidy Cranleigh team.
After alternating tries the Lions eventually ran out victors by 21:19 and can now look forward to a match against Royal Grammar School at Imber Court stadium on 30th November kick off 6pm.
The Lions initiative will be expanded to other Surrey towns and age groups next year and the long term plan is to roll out across250 towns in the UK inspiring more state boys to take up rugby and existing players to keep playing.
If you are interested in supporting the initiative in any way please contact Simon Pennock on .